MEET LORETTA WEINBERG


For over forty years, Loretta Weinberg has consistently stood up for social justice, human rights, environmental concerns and the health, wealth and happiness of New Jersey's working families. That's why she's received the endorsement of leading environmental, labor, health, consumer, progressive and women's organizations.

Senator Weinberg always puts our families first. She's worked hard to make our streets safer and our future more secure. She's stood up to special interests and powerful insiders her whole life. And she always looks out for society's most vulnerable. In fact, Loretta has been called the "conscience" of New Jersey's legislature.

Loretta Weinberg isn't afraid to take on the tough fights - in both Bergen County and Trenton. She battled the powerful gun lobby to protect our children by mandating safety locks on all handguns. Against stiff opposition, Loretta took on Big Tobacco and sponsored the bill making indoor public places smoke-free. And, she stood up to insurance companies and succeeded in forcing hospitals to provide longer stays for new moms and their babies.

Loretta is especially proud to have led the fight in cracking down on drunk drivers. In 2004, after a decade of struggle, the Governor signed Loretta's legislation lowering the legal alcohol level to .08. Loretta's unflagging commitment to passing this law is a testament to her dedication to future generations and their safety in New Jersey.

Loretta Weinberg is a Real Democrat who stands up for Real Democratic Values. When local party bosses tried to rig an election and shut out the voice of local Democrats who opposed their hand-picked candidates, it was Loretta who fought for fairness and openness. And she won.

Loretta has deep, strong Bergen County roots. She proudly served as both the Bergen County Assistant Administrator and as a member of the Teaneck Township Council. In 1992, Loretta was elected to represent the 37th District in the New Jersey General Assembly, where she went on to serve as Majority Conference Leader, Chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Family, Women and Children's Services Committee. Her focus on health care issues led the Assembly Speaker to appoint Loretta to the Mandated Health Benefits Advisory Committee. Her other committee assignments included the Community Services, Veteran's Affairs and the Consumer Affairs and Regulated Professions Committees.

Since 2005, Loretta Weinberg has represented the 37th District in the State Senate, where she serves on both the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and on the State Government Committee. She previously served on the Judiciary and State Government Committees. And she continues to serve on the New Jersey Israel Commission, New Jersey Historical Commission and the Legislative Services Commission.

Throughout her long career in public service, Loretta has devoted countless hours to her community and to local, statewide, and national organizations that seek to improve the lives of our families. She was a founding member of Shelter Our Sisters, and she sits on the board of the AARP's Teaneck Chapter. Loretta's long been active in the American Red Cross, the Bergen Family Center, the New Jersey Network of Women Elected Officials and the National Organization of Women Legislators. She is a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women and a long-time member of Temple Emeth in Teaneck.

Loretta Weinberg graduated from the University of California with a B.A. in History and Political Science. She's completed all coursework for a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Loretta and her late husband, Irwin Weinberg, were married in 1961. They have two children - Daniel and Francine. Loretta is also a proud grandmother to two wonderful kids - Shayna Iris and Jonah Benjamin.